After the initial trauma of an automobile accident subsides, many automobile accident victims wonder, among other things, whether their car insurance rates are going to increase. Concern over the connection between car accidents and insurance rates is so great that some drivers even choose not to report minor accidents to their insurers. While some automobile accidents do cause automobile insurance rates to rise, it is important that drivers understand that multiple variables are involved in determining how a specific motor vehicle accident is likely to affect their insurance rates.
Each insurer calculates its automobile insurance rates in a slightly different way. If you submit a claim for damages, your insurer will consider the circumstances of your current automobile accident and a few other things before deciding whether to raise your insurance rate. These "few other things" may include, but are not limited to, the number of claims that you have made in the past, whether you are at fault for your current accident, the amounts of any payouts that you have received from the insurer in the past, and your driving record.
One factor that matters a great deal to your insurer, no matter what insurer it is, is whether you were violating any traffic laws when the accident happened. If you were speeding, driving while intoxicated, or if you ran a red light or a stop sign, your insurance rate is likely to increase substantially, and your policy may even be cancelled. The reason that this happens is because accidents involving these illegal behaviors are likely to cause serious injury or death, and therefore they cost insurers a lot of money.
Some insurers offer drivers a benefit known as an accident forgiveness program. The terms of these programs vary, and they are not available to all drivers in all areas. It is important that you look closely at your insurance policy if you think that you are enrolled in an accident forgiveness program, so that you can fully read and understand all of its terms and conditions. The idea behind most accident forgiveness programs is that the insurance rates of enrolled drivers will not be raised after they have one at-fault accident. However, all accidents are not forgiven, and the rates may increase for a second or subsequent at-fault accident.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, it is important that you speak with a Kentucky Automobile Accident Attorney as soon as possible. You may be able to recover for any injuries or damages that you sustained in the accident, or, if you have lost a loved one in an automobile accident you may be able to recover for your loss. To learn more about how the Kentucky Automobile Accident Attorneys at Goeing Goeing and McQuinn, PLLC can help you to pursue the recovery that you deserve, please call our office today. If you prefer, you can also contact us via our website on the internet.